Comments on: Why I Hired a Doula

By: WsMom

WsMom — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:22:54 +0000

I hired a doula on recommendation from my cousin who said it was the best money she’s ever spent. I am SO glad we went that route. Yes, the hospital staff is there to care for you, but they cannot be by your side throughout the labor. Knowing I had a person there to help me and my husband throughout the entire birth process was immensely reassuring.

Researching the doula and the subsequent learning from her really helped me keep my cool throughout labor & delivery. I still had no idea what to expect, but I was armed with the tools I needed to make decisions about my laboring options. And when I thought that I was at the end of my rope and might not make it, my doula reassured me with her words, laboring techniques and physical support, and I made it through a natural delivery with flying colors. I know much of it had to do with the mental preparation that I did before the birth, and having an experienced, caring doula by my side through my labor and delivery.

By: Gsmommy

Gsmommy — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:32:10 +0000

I had my first baby 11 months ago, hundreds of miles away from my family and friends- my support that day was limited to my husband and father. While I appreciate all they did for me, in so many ways it would have been nice to have a doula. After 16 hours, my labor ended in an emergency c-section. I can’t help but wonder if our outcome would have been different if we had hired a doula (and I had given it some thought). I had asked the L&D nurses no less than 3xs if I could get up and walk and my response was always “Let me ask the Dr.” Although I understand there may have been reasons they did not want to take me off the monitors, I would have appreciated a real yes or no answer. My Dr. also gave me pitocin after I had directly told her I did not want it without discussing it with me further. I feel as though these things would not have happened like this if I had had a doula present. In the future, IF I decide to VBAC, I will have to find the $ to hire a doula.

By: Liesl B

Liesl B — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:42:20 +0000

As an L&D nurse, a doula can be an amazing support person for a family, unfortunately there is a lot of strife between doulas and hospital staff. Just as I would live to say that the labor nurse should be coaching and supporting and tending to most your needs, I know that that is not the case with every nurse. That being said, when you ate choosing a doula, DO YOUR RESEARCH! This article states some wonderful attributes regarding a doula, make sure those are present! I’ve seen too many doulas that want to take over the birth and be pushy to staff and even the parents! I’ve also seen doulas who sit in the corner and are at thier second or maybe third birth and do nothing! This is where the strife amongst staff and doulas come in, the latter two situations. Just make sure to truly research your doula.

By: cruelsound

cruelsound — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:26:48 +0000

I sure love me some Jayne. Keep up the great writing!

By: Lindsey Miller

Lindsey Miller — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:15:17 +0000

I am pregnant with my first child now and hired a doula as soon as we found out we were expecting. My husband and I both agree it is the best decision we have made thus far. She has been an amazing resource for “normal” and expected questions as well as for our little emergencies, like when I was stung by a wasp! I am shocked that more of my contemporaries have not hired a doula as well. We are due in February and are so happy we have Nikki walking with us through this journey.